AIDs housing bill passes Assembly

By a vote of 82-54, the Assembly approved a bill that would cap housing costs for people living with HIV/AIDS at 30 percent of their income.

The debate was long and included lawmakers explaining their votes as more ‘yes’ votes were rounded up. The measure’s passage was lauded by AIDS advocacy groups like Housing Works, which called the passage “an incredible victory.” The bill passed the state Senate last summer after an impassioned 3 a.m. floor speech (after the jump) by Sen. Tom Duane, a Manhattan Democrat who has HIV AIDS. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick carries the measure in that chamber.

The passage was not welcomed, however, by New York City officials.

“Earlier today, the Assembly passed the first bill of the legislative session, which blows a $15 million hole in the City budget. To put that in perspective, $15 million could fund 10 fire companies or the hiring of over 200 new teachers,” said Michelle Goldstein, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s princpal Albany lobbyist, in a statement. “Make no mistake: this City stands second to none in its support of programs that provide critical assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS. But Albany’s addiction to unfunded mandates and not giving city taxpayers the money to meet those requirements must end. We cannot bemoan budget deficits one day and add to them the next. This legislative session demands austerity.”

Because the bill passed the Senate and Assembly in different years, it must be re-considered by the upper house before it goes to David Paterson’s desk for a signature or veto. Austin Shafran, a spokesman for the Senate Democrats, said “the Senate overwhelmingly passed this bill to improve affordable housing for HIV and AIDS patients and we will do it again to ensure those rights are protected.”